"I did part of my orthopedic training here back in '76," the orthopedic surgeon from Bristol explained with a smile.

While the doctor greeted new arrivals at the hamburger stand, his wife, Elaine -- who had arrived on her own Harley Sportster -- sold commemorative pins with the hospital's logo. By mid-afternoon, those sales had totaled $375, she said.

That was to be added to the gate proceeds -- $15 for single riders and $25 for couples -- toward a goal of $15,000, organizers said.

Proceeds will go toward purchase of a paging system that will let nurses respond more quickly to sudden changes in a patient's condition.

By 2 p.m., about 520 riders had arrived for the rally sponsored by two major motorcycle clubs.

Six of the eight Connecticut chapters of the Harley Owners Group, an international organization, took part, as did four chapters of the Gold Wing Touring Association, which includes owners of Hondas and other foreign makes.

Rick Mills of West Hartford, with the Grim Reaper tattooed on one shoulder and the slogan "Live to ride, ride to live" on the other, acknowledged there is a noticeable difference in the culture of the two groups.

But what they have in common, he said, is a love of riding and a willingness to help children in need.

"The common thing among all groups is you've got the freedom of the open road, the wind in your face," said Mills, who is 45 and has been a biker since he was 16. "The bottom line, you're on two wheels and enjoying the same thing."

As the rock band Route 61 played Grateful Dead tunes, bikers took turns competing in skill driving events, gobbled hamburgers and potato salad and generally milled around admiring the hundreds of shiny motorcycles parked behind what now is the Newington campus of the children's hospital.

Ron Parker, 53, who is assistant state director of the Gold Wing Touring Association, agreed with Mills that the turnout was off somewhat from the first such event, held a year ago.

But on a sunny day, he said with a smile, it was the place for a biker to be.